These Old Shades – Georgette Heyer

The Duke of Avon has a bit of a reputation in both France and his native England – he’s known as “Satanas”, and absolutely no one thinks well of him. Late one night, he comes across a red-headed street urchin named Leon, who is fleeing a beating at his brother’s hand. Seemingly on a whim, he purchases Leon from his brother, and makes him his page.

I say seemingly on a whim, because the Duke always has several games afoot, and Leon will figure prominently in those games. It turns out, Leon is actually Leonie, a rather enchanting young lady who loves her rescuer unconditionally, and will not believe that he is worthy than less than the greatest esteem.

Throw in a switched at birth secret, a kidnapping, and plenty of high jinks while Leonie relearns how to be a girl, and this is an enjoyable read. Though I have to say, I think I’ve enjoyed Heyer’s stories that were set in England a bit more than this one. The court at Versailles is a bit much for my tastes.